Argentina v Uruguay
Football : Copa America 2011
Saturday 16 July 2011 - Kickoff 7:15pm (Local Time)
This game is live on TV

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Preview

The second Quarter Final of the Copa America 2011 is between these famous old rivals and joint most successful nations in this competition. Both Argentina and Uruguay will feel they can go all the way if they can get through this stage.

The Argentinian team has taken plenty of stick in the media and from former players as they could not get themselves up for the first competitive matches they have played since losing to Germany in the World Cup last Summer.

A 1-1 draw with Bolivia was a shock to the system for the fans that had expected the hosts to waltz through and claim the tournament. Things did not get much better as Argentina were fortunate to get away with a 0-0 draw with Colombia in their 2nd game, one that left them struggling to get out of the group.

It was then that Sergio Batista decided that he would revert to the system that had served Argentina so well in the past and employ a forward rather than using Lionel Messi in that role. Argentina subsequently thrashed Costa Rica, albeit a side that was filled with their younger players.

It is very likely that Batista will play the same 11 that won the last game 3-0.

Uruguay themselves were struggling with an unfamiliar system in the early stages of the competition and, much like Argentina, they came good when it really mattered. They drew their opening game with Peru 1-1 and followed that up with another draw with Chile.

That left Uruguay in a position where they had to beat the much changed Mexican team in the last game of the group, something they managed 1-0 although missing a lot of other chances to secure the win with more room to spare.

Oscar Tabarez still has a few issues to contend with, namely getting the best out of Diego Forlan who is yet to score in this competition.

Head to Head

This will be the 10th meeting between the nations since January 2000, the last being the famous match in the 2009 World Cup Qualifiers that Argentina won 0-1 in Uruguay.

Argentina have won 6 of the last 9 meetings between the two, Uruguay winning 1 and the other 2 being draws.

They last met in the Copa America in 2004 with Argentina coming through 4-2.

Prediction

This should be a fairly entertaining game if the last couple of matches that both teams have played is anything to go by. Usually the knockout stages of cup competitions can be cagey affairs, but I have a feeling this could be a little different.

The last 4 games in Argentina have all seen the overs come in as both teams take advantage of the other defence.

Both teams have been giving up enough chances in this tournament for the overs to have a real chance of coming in, and both have the attacking potential to capaitalise on any mistakes the other makes.

Argentina are the more likely winners of the game, but I would rather back the overs and hope for an enjoyable game.

The Pick :

Argentina 2-1 Uruguay

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

I'll back Over 2.5 Goals @ 2.00 (Various)